Lately I've been wrestling with this idea of doing something big in my life. I'm thirty now, so something big should come next, right? "Yeah, my brother said, it's thirty-one."

I'm unsure what it [my something big] looks like just yet--maybe it's creating a business or starting a movement, or simply achieving something big--whatever it is, I want it to be both epic (maybe even trendy) and positively impactful.

As I was dreaming of my next big thing, a thought stopped me straight in my tracks. I felt in my heart God say, "What if all of the little things you're currently doing add up to something big? Couldn't you count that, Jes? A lifetime of littles to equal your great?"

The idea of a lifetime or a legacy of service hit me like a ton of bricks. As I've been waiting on my something big (not even sure how to really define big!) I had forgotten how important the little things or #smallvictories are in the grand picture of life.

Sure, I would love to write a book one day, speak in front of thousands, own my own business and positively impact hundreds of thousands of lives, but what counts right now in this season of life, are the small things.

The dedication to teaching Bible study to the few on Thursdays, the soup kitchen that needed volunteer help, the Valentine's brunch for our military spouses, the laundry detergent drive for the "Laundry Love" project, the mentoring group at work that we started, and the twenty-five "Bags of Compassion" delivered to the homeless community by the book club; its those things even in the smallest act of kindness, compassion and love matter.

I'm definitely not trading in ambition for mediocrity, but I am going to take more time to celebrate the small victories and accomplishments in my life as well. Celebrating the little is a lot more fun than always waiting on the big.

What is your #smallvictories for today? The Bible says that God has created us for many great things, but He also reminds up to watch over and take care of the flock that we have now. Share with me what you're doing! I'd love to hear and celebrate the good with you in all things!

xoxo

Jes

“That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭2:9‬ ‭(NLT)

“Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God.” 1 Peter‬ ‭5:2‬ ‭(NLT)

“O people, the LORD has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” ‭Micah‬ ‭6:8‬ ‭(NLT)

It's been a MONDAY! Seriously, a Monday.

This morning I met one of my favorites for a morning walk and prayer knowing that I was going into the office later in the day. We walked, chatted, and prayed. This lady is sweet gift in my life; her mentorship is something I dearly treasure so to start my day with a quick date was awesome! After that, I went to look at a potential new condo and then made a pit stop at my favorite running route along the beach.

I ran this morning with such thanksgiving in my heart. I was thankful for the day's flexible work schedule, the beautiful scenery, the sunshine, my family, friends, my cute guy, the possibility of a new place, the upcoming Bible study and leadership opportunities, the new year, and my job...my heart was overwhelmed and acutely aware of the blessings in my life.

I hopped in my car and headed home to get ready for work. On my way home, I called a leasing agent to follow up on another condo that seemed perfect for my brother and I. It had everything we wanted (garage, two bathrooms, W&D, pet friendly) in a great location at the right price. To my surprise or demise, it was leased over the weekend. Oh my goodness! Talk about a punch in the gut and if that wasn't enough, I started to smell smoke in my car. I made it home safely to discover that my car was leaking copious amounts of oil.

Within ten minutes my day had greatly changed. All with first world problems, but definitely problems! I was super bummed about the condo and the car maintenance didn't make it any better.

And my attitude? I fought hard to keep that feeling of gratefulness and love for the Lord in the immediate situation. I took a couple deep breaths and made some phone calls. With no great solution and pacing with discouragement, I heard a clear thought that stopped me. It remind me that God was still the good Provider; He was still the same God of my blessing and the One that I was praising this morning.

Do I know what's in store for the rest of the week? No clue. Today was a doozy! So I'm really not sure, nor have things greatly improved, but I did hear on the radio this afternoon that God knows and cares about every part of our lives--even the smallest of things. So in that promise and the verses below, I'll keep hoping and praying. Keep me in your prayers this week as I face the music, the moving and the car maintenance! Wish me luck as I get a head start on the packing today. :)

xoxo
Jes

"Therefore we do not lose heart. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 16a-18. (NIV)

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Something Big

Oh, Monday!